What does “Toe the line” mean?
"Toe the line" means to follow the rules or guidelines strictly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The employees were warned to toe the line or face consequences.
Example
The coach expects his players to toe the line and give their best effort.
Example
In order to maintain order, everyone must toe the line and adhere to the rules
Is “Toe the line” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Toe the line” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Toe the line” effectively in context?
You can use "Toe the Line" to emphasize the importance of following rules or guidelines strictly. It is often used in situations where there is a need for discipline or order. For example, if you are discussing workplace policies with your colleagues, you might say, 'We all need to toe the line and adhere to the company's code of conduct.'
- 1Workplace
The employees were warned to toe the line or face consequences.
- 2Sports
The coach expects his players to toe the line and give their best effort.
- 3Rules and Regulations
In order to maintain order, everyone must toe the line and adhere to the rules.
Similar phrases to “Toe the line”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Toe the line” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Toe the Line" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the sport of boxing. In boxing matches, fighters are required to place their toes on a designated line before the start of a round. This rule ensures that both fighters are in the correct position and ready to begin the match. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean following rules or guidelines strictly.
Is “Toe the line” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Toe the Line" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used in professional settings, such as the workplace, to emphasize the importance of following rules and guidelines.
What tone does “Toe the line” have?
"Toe the Line" conveys a tone of discipline and adherence to rules. It is often used in a serious or authoritative context to remind others of the need to comply with regulations.
Can “Toe the line” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Toe the Line" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or discussions about rules and regulations. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or official documents.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The students were expected to toe the line and follow the school's dress code.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "toe the line"!' to imply the need to follow rules or guidelines.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- comply with the rules
- adhere to the guidelines
- conform to the regulations
- follow the instructions
- abide by the rules
Antonyms
- rebel against the rules
- break the guidelines
- disregard the regulations
- ignore the instructions
- defy the rules
